Aventinus set for winter campaign after Kempton near-miss

My enjoyment of Flat racing often throws up wonderful contrasts and that was certainly the case over a few eventful days during the last fortnight. They began with complimentary (and very tasty) fish and chips in the owners' and trainers' bar at Kempton Park and concluded with a fascinating morning on the gallops of Chantilly.

Two-year-old colt Aventinus was attempting to follow up his Chelmsford win earlier in September but found a Godolphin rival too tough to pass on the straight as he was beaten into second by a neck at a Kempton evening meeting. It's true to say he keeps running into good 'uns – first Broken Stones at York, then Permian on his previous outing at the same track as last week's close defeat by Timeless Flight.

All of these vanquishers look smart and the fact that this latest race was at Class 3 level bodes well for his prospects – at least that was the unanimous view of the syndicate. We're getting to know each other quite well after six runs and so there's no need to sugar-coat any pills. What we like about Aventinus is that he's a trier and refuses to give up, which is what you want from any thoroughbred you have a share in, whatever the ability level.